In an elegant response to a viewer’s troll remarks, a television host sporting a traditional Māori face tattoo has reaffirmed her pride in her identity and cultural background.
Online discussions are frequently sparked by facial tattoos, with some people arguing that they should only be applied to the body and others appreciating their cultural value.
As the first primetime TV news bulletin presenter to wear a moko kauae, a respected cultural symbol worn by Māori women, Oriini Kaipara, 41, made history when she joined New Zealand’s Newshub as a newsreader.
Moko kauae are significant emblems of tradition and identity for the Māori, the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand. These face tattoos, which are typically applied to the lips and chins, recognize a woman’s heritage, position, and abilities while also symbolizing her leadership in her community and familial ties.

But in the middle of the praise, a fan named David sent Newshub an email expressing his displeasure with Kaipara’s moko kauae.
According to the Daily Mail, he wrote, “We continue to object strongly to you using a Māori newsreader with a moku [moko], which is offensive and aggressive looking.” “An ugly appearance. Additionally, she speaks in Māori, which we do not comprehend. Now stop it.
Unfazed by David’s derogatory comments, Kaipara courageously confronted the matter head-on, responding with dignity and grace while posting screenshots of the messages on her Instagram story.
“I had enough today. I answered. I never do that. She posted a screenshot of David’s letter along with the caption, “I broke my own code and hit the send button,” on her Instagram story.

Kaipara also published her email reply to David, in which she stated that “given there is no breach of broadcast standards,” she could not take his complaint seriously.
She also took care to fix his spelling of moko because David had called hers “moku.”
Kaipara went on in her email: “I assume that your grievances are based on your personal preferences for how one should seem on TV. Moko and those around them are not dangerous, and they don’t merit this kind of intolerance, abuse, or discrimination.
“Neither do we/I deserve to be treated with such disregard, nor do we mean any harm or ill intent,” she added. “Please stop whining and save your cultural illiteracy and prejudice for another lifetime, ideally in the 1800s.”

Kaipara quickly responded to David’s harsh remarks by saying that she typically receives positive comments and that nasty trolls are rare.
Kaipara discussed the importance of having more Māori advocates in an interview with the New Zealand Herald immediately after she addressed David’s complaint, saying, “The fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector.”
Overall, Kaipara’s respectful response is a potent reminder of the value of ethnic pride and perseverance in the face of hardship. She is also encouraging others to confront discriminatory beliefs and embrace their identities without apology.
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